media release · 2017. 6. 9. · media contact: katie saunoris !"#.$%&.#$# x."!...

Media Contact:Katie Saunoris 416.203.6264 x.146 [email protected]

SOULPEPPER 2017-2018 13 PLAYS INCLUDING TWO WORLD PREMIERES, A NATIONAL PREMIERE, NEW CONCERTS & MORE

Toronto, ON – May 30, 2017: Albert Schultz, Founding Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, today announced artistic programming from September 2017 to June 2018. View the complete 2017-2018 season at soulpepper.ca.

“Our 2017-2018 season is remarkably broad in its voices, its forms, and its opportunities for our extraordinary company of artists,” said Schultz. “It’s a season both international in scope, and celebratory of our local artists. It off ers gripping work from Canadian writers including world premieres, reimagined classics by notable international voices, and contemporary pieces both humorous and provocative. It’s also a season which refl ects our multi-year investment in artistic creation, in part through our national Project imagiNation commissioning work, and our development of original musical experiences. And all of this season’s programming refl ects the mature artistry of a company hitting its stride after nearly two full decades of pioneering work, and an exceptional year of growth.”

Soulpepper’s 2017-2018 season begins this September with a new look at Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, directed by Daniel Brooks with Oliver Dennis and Soulpepper Founding Member Diego Matamoros, running alongside the World Premiere of Picture This - a comedy of epic proportions - by Morris Panych and Brenda Robins.

In October, Soulpepper presents Cliff Cardinal’s Dora Award-winning solo show Huff . Also this fall, Soulpepper presents the fi rst of two plays by the late Pulitzer Prize–winning American playwright Edward Albee: The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? directed by Associate Artistic Director Alan Dilworth runs this October, with Albee’s A Delicate Balance opening next January, directed by Soulpepper Founding Member Diana Leblanc.

December marks the return of the Soulpepper Family Festival, a family-friendly holiday mix of theatre and music. This year’s lineup at the Young Centre includes Michael Shamata’s beloved adaptation of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, a partner presentation with Toronto’s Bad Hats Theatre and their production of Peter Pan directed by Severn Thompson, and, at the Jane Mallett Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, a limited encore presentation of A Very Soulpepper Christmas in concert.

Programming in January of 2018 begins with the Tony Award-winning drama Amadeus by Peter Shaff er directed by Albert Schultz.

In March, Alan Dilworth returns to direct the Canadian Premiere of Idomeneus by acclaimed German playwright Roland Schimmelpfennig, translated by David Tushingham. Idomeneus opens alongside the World Premiere of Animal Farm, adapted by Soulpepper Academy graduate Anthony MacMahon, directed by Resident Artist Ravi Jain, and commissioned as part of Project imagiNation, Soulpepper’s national commissioning project.

On stage in May through June 2018 is a trio of plays: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson directed by Soulpepper Academy Member Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu; Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott by Beverley Cooper directed by Jackie Maxwell; and A Chorus of Disapproval by Alan Ayckbourn directed by Albert Schultz.

Music programming at Soulpepper in 2017-2018 features new theatrical concerts including: The Secret Chord: a Leonard Cohen Experience; Riverboat Coff ee House: The Yorkville Scene; Prohibition, a Concert; and A Moveable Feast: Paris in the ‘20s.

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For the fi rst time, Soulpepper will be off ering American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances for selected dates of Idomeneus on March 20 and 23, 2018, and Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott on June 6 and 9, 2018. See the season brochure for more details.

Subscriptions to 2017-2018 programming are on sale as of May 30 at 1 p.m. for current subscribers. Public subscription sales begin on June 13. Single tickets for the 2017-2018 season go on sale to the public on June 20, 2017.

Soulpepper’s 2016-2017 season concludes this summer, in Toronto, with productions of Vern Thiessen’s Vimy and Billy Bishop Goes to War written and composed by John MacLachlan Gray with Eric Peterson, while VideoCabaret spectacularly conjures the era of Confederation in four tragicomic one-act plays, presented in two parts, with Confederation & Riel and Scandal & Rebellion. From July 1 to 29, Soulpepper will also be on stage in Manhattan making its U.S. debut with a full festival of programming at The Pershing Square Signature Center (soulpepper.org). Soulpepper’s fi rst original podcast series, The Complete 150 created and written by Jason Sherman, continues with new parts until July 1, and the second season of Kim’s Convenience the TV series, co-produced by Soulpepper, airs on CBC this fall.

For details on all of Soulpepper’s programming, visit soulpepper.ca or call the Young Centre Box Offi ce at 416.866.8666.

SOULPEPPER PROGRAMMING: SEPTEMBER 2017 to JUNE 2018

Waiting for GodotSamuel BeckettDirected by Daniel Brooks

On a bare road in the middle of nowhere, two world-weary friends wait. While anticipating, they speculate, quarrel, joke and ponder life’s greater questions. As dusk approaches, two fi gures appear on the horizon.

Soulpepper revisits one of the most signifi cant plays of the 20th century.

The confi rmed cast includes Oliver Dennis, Soulpepper Founding Member Diego Matamoros, Alex McCooeye, and Rick Roberts.

Waiting for Godot runs from September 8 to October 7, 2017. Opening night is September 14.

Picture ThisMorris Panych and Brenda RobinsBased upon The Battle of Waterloo by Melchior LengyelDirected by Morris Panych

For a group of struggling artists, a visiting Hollywood producer could be the key to a glamorous career in show business. Their dreams all hinge on fi lming a Napoleonic saga in only two weeks. From the team behind Soulpepper’s Parfumerie (Winner Outstanding Production – 2010 Dora Award), comes a comedy of epic proportions.

The confi rmed casting includes Michelle Monteith, Soulpepper Founding Member Nancy Palk, Robert Persichini, Jordan Pettle, Gregory Prest, Brenda Robins, Paolo Santalucia, David Storch, and Maria Vacratsis.

The World Premiere of Picture This runs from September 9 to October 7 2017. Opening night is September 15.


Soulpepper PresentsHuffCliff Cardinal Directed by Karin RandojaA Native Earth Performing Arts production. Produced by Cunning Concepts & Creations

After his mother’s death, Wind’s fantastic dream world bleeds into reality when he’s preyed on by the Trickster. With biting humour, and raw imagery, Cardinal’s award-winning solo show shines an unfl inching light on life on the Reserve.

««««“Strong, uncompromising storytelling” – NOW MagazineWinner of Dora Awards for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance

Huff runs from October 16 to 21, 2017. Opening night is October 17. Warning – Mature Themes.

Edward AlbeeThe Goat or, Who is Sylvia?Directed by Alan Dilworth

A shocking play about marital infi delity and the devastation of a family. America’s great provocateur, Edward Albee, invites us to a contemporary Greek tragedy with his trademark subversive humour.

Confi rmed casting includes Raquel Duff y and Albert Schultz.

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? runs from November 1 to 18, 2017. Opening night is November 7. Warning – Mature Themes.

A Christmas CarolCharles Dickens. Adapted by Michael ShamataRemount Director: Joseph Ziegler

Soulpepper’s beloved production of A Christmas Carol has become a Toronto holiday tradition. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts who help him understand the importance of charity in the holiday season. The cast includes Kevin Bundy, Daniel Chapman-Smith, Maggie Huculak, John Jarvis, Tangara Jones, Ellora Patnaik, Krystin Pellerin, Jordan Pettle, and Soulpepper Founding Member Joseph Ziegler.

Recommended for ages 8+A Soulpepper Signature Production

««««“Couldn’t possibly be better.” – Toronto Star

A Christmas Carol runs from December 7 to December 24, 2017.


Soulpepper PresentsBad Hats Theatre’s Peter PanJ.M. BarrieAdapted by Fiona Sauder & Reanne SpitzerMusic by Landon Doak and CompanyDirected by Severn ThompsonDesign by Amy Marie Wallace

Pirates. Lost Boys. A ticking crocodile. J. M. Barrie’s classic story about the boy who would never grow up is given a lively musical reimagining for kids and kids-at-heart.

Recommended for ages 3+

Peter Pan runs from December 8 to December 31, 2017. Opening night is December 12.

AmadeusPeter ShafferDirected by Albert Schultz

Genius can spring from the most unexpected of places. Newly arrived in Vienna, eccentric musical prodigy Mozart tries to secure his place at court, while jealous rivals conspire to tear him down. Confi rmed casting includes Katherine Gauthier, Soulpepper Founding Member Diego Matamoros, and Gregory Prest.

Tony Award-winner for Best Play

Amadeus runs from January 10 to February 10, 2018. Opening night is January 17.

Edward AlbeeA Delicate BalanceDirected by Diana Leblanc

In all things – friendship, intimacy, civility – there is a balance that must be carefully maintained to avert disaster. When a daughter returns home and friends move in, Albee shows how easy it is to tip the scales.

The cast: Derek Boyes; Laura Condlln; Oliver Dennis; Kyra Harper; Soulpepper Founding Member Nancy Palk; and Brenda Robins.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama

A Delicate Balance runs from January 13 to February 10, 2018. Opening night is January 18.


IdomeneusRoland SchimmelpfennigTranslated by David TushinghamDirected by Alan Dilworth

The Trojan War is over, but for Idomeneus the greatest struggle awaits his return – a crucible of the soul. A chorus weaves fates and stories into a wrenching lyrical epic from one of Europe’s most exciting contemporary playwrights. Confi rmed casting includes Akosua Amo-Adem, Alana Bridgewater, Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, Laura Condlln, Soulpepper Founding Members Stuart Hughes and Diego Matamoros, and Michelle Monteith.

Canadian Premiere

Idomeneus runs from March 3 to 24, 2018. Opening night is March 8. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances for selected dates: March 20 and 23, 2018.

Animal FarmGeorge OrwellAdapted by Anthony MacMahonDirected by Ravi JainDesigned by Ken MacKenzie

The tyrannical Farmer Jones must be overthrown! How long will the animal utopia last when a charismatic new leader emerges? An innovative new adaptation of George Orwell’s classic satire bites just as much today as when it was fi rst written.

World PremiereProject imagiNation Commission

Animal Farm runs from March 9 to April 7, 2018. Opening night is March 15.

August WilsonMa Rainey’s Black BottomDirected by Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu

Chicago in the 1920s is a city on a collision course with change - and through it all plays the Blues. In August Wilson’s masterpiece a routine music recording session becomes the front line for issues of race, power, and opportunity.

New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom runs from May 4 to June 2, 2018. Opening night is May 10.

Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven TruscottBeverley CooperDirected by Jackie Maxwell

It’s 1959 in a small Ontario town with summer vacation on the horizon. And then a girl goes missing. Innocence Lost is a riveting take on the Steven Truscott criminal case that rocked the country for decades, and scarred a generation forever.

Innocence Lost: A Play About Steven Truscott runs from May 14 to June 23, 2018. Opening night is May 24. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances: June 6 and 9, 2018.Warning – Mature Subject Matter.


A Chorus of DisapprovalAlan AyckbournDirected by Albert Schultz

The intrigues of an amateur theatre company spill from the stage to the pub, as an aspiring actor moves through the ranks of both The Beggar’s Opera, and the show’s assorted players. In his trademark style, Ayckbourn delivers a deeply funny dramatic comedy about deception, ambition, and sexual conquest. The cast includes Ghazal Azarbad, Oliver Dennis, Christef Desir, Raquel Duff y, Soulpepper Founding Member Ted Dykstra, Daniel Mousseau, Gregory Prest, James Smith, and Marcel Stewart.

A Chorus of Disapproval runs from May 16 to June 22, 2018. Opening night is May 29.

SOULPEPPER MUSIC: 2017-2018 CONCERTS

Each original Soulpepper Concert revolves around a time, place, or artist crafted by a team of incomparable performers. The Concert Series is led by Slaight Family Director of Music Mike Ross. Check the season calendar for dates and times.

The Secret Chord: a Leonard Cohen ExperienceIn this concert experience Leonard Cohen’s extraordinary life and work is remembered and celebrated by a company of remarkable artists.August 17-22, 2017

Riverboat Coffee House: The Yorkville SceneOpened in 1964 in the basement of a Victorian row house, the Riverboat Coff ee House was a launching pad for Canadian singer-songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia, Murray McLauchlan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Mike Ross will music-direct a line-up of multi-disciplinary artists as they celebrate the stories and songs that made Yorkville the place to be in the free loving sixties.October 6-9, 2017

A Very Soulpepper ChristmasGuests of all ages are invited to a family concert celebrating the sounds of the season from around the globe. Featuring Mike Ross leading an all-star lineup of Toronto’s best musicians.Recommended for ages 6+Playing at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in the Jane Mallett TheatreDecember 15-17, 2017

Prohibition, the ConcertGangsters, fl appers, booze and jazz - prohibition didn’t stop the party, it only forced it underground where it thrived. Writer/narrator Albert Schultz and Music Director Mike Ross invite you to the Distillery District for a night of stories and songs from the “dry” days of the Roaring Twenties. February 9-14, 2018

A Moveable Feast: Paris in the ‘20sIn the decade following the fi rst World War the French economy boomed, and Paris re-established itself as a capital of art, music, literature and sophisticated Bacchanalia…Hemingway, Joyce, Picasso, Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein were all there… as was Josephine Baker, Igor Stravinsky, Man Ray and Kiki of Montparnasse. Bienvenue.March 30-April 6, 2018

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Located in its multi-venue home, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, Soulpepper is Toronto’s largest not-for-profi t theatre company. Founded and guided by artists, under the leadership of Artistic Director Albert Schultz and Executive Director Leslie Lester, Soulpepper has an integrated mission which includes: industry-leading youth outreach initiatives; the Soulpepper Academy, Canada’s only multi-year paid professional training program for theatre artists of all disciplines; and a year-round diverse repertory season which is grounded in the classics and committed to the creation of new works, new forms, and innovative practices. Tickets to Soulpepper productions are available by calling the Young Centre Box Offi ce at 416.866.8666 or by visiting soulpepper.ca. Soulpepper’s New York programming can also be directly accessed via soulpepper.org.

Tickets for Soulpepper 2017-2018 productions range from $35 to $95 CDN. Tickets for Soulpepper Concerts & Cabarets start at $25. $20 tickets for Soulpepper productions are available for arts workers and deaf community members. Ticket deals for under-30 year-olds are available at soulpepper.ca/stageplay. StagePlay is sponsored by TD Bank Group. $25 Rush tickets and $5 Youth Rush tickets are subject to availability. Ticket prices include a Young Centre facility fee, service charge and HST. Pricing is subject to change.

Soulpepper gratefully acknowledges annual operating support from the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Soulpepper is pleased to recognize the donors of transformational gifts to its Creative Capital Campaign: The Michael Young Family Foundation; The Slaight Family; The Government of Ontario; Gail Drummond and Bob Dorrance; Kevin and Roger Garland; Eleanor and Francis Shen; Ada Slaight; and Richard Wernham & Julia West. Support for all Music Programming is provided by the Slaight Family through the Slaight Family Music Program. Mike Ross is the inaugural Slaight Family Director of Music.

Lead Support for the Soulpepper Academy is provided by the Michael and Karen Vukets Family Foundation, with additional support from the RBC Foundation and Hal Jackman Foundation and the Canada Arts Training Program at the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Soulpepper gratefully acknowledges support for “Soulpepper on 42nd Street: Canada Crosses the Border”. Lead Sponsors: The Government of Ontario; the Young/Schultz Venture Fund; and Susan & Hans Brenninkmeyer. Major Sponsors: Shawn S. Cooper; TD Bank Group; Deb Barrett & Jim Leech; Rosamond Ivey & John Macfarlane; Eleanor & Francis Shen; and Joe Natale & Melissa Martin. This project was supported through Toronto Arts Council Strategic Funding.

Soulpepper is grateful for the Major Sponsorship Support of:TELUS – Lead Sponsor Youth OutreachScotiabank – Lead Sponsor Soulpepper City Youth AcademyBMO – Lead Sponsor Project imagiNationCIBC – Lead Sponsor Soulpepper Family FestivalTD Bank – Lead Sponsor Stage PlaySunLife – Lead Sponsor MyPlay

Additional show support provided by:Diane Blake and Stephen Smith for VimyBMO for VideoCabaret3 Macs for Picture ThisCIBC for Family Festival ProgrammingBMO and the Garland imagiNation Fund for Animal Farm, a Project imagiNation commission Polar Securities for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Connect with us:FACEBOOK.COM/SOULPEPPERTHEATRETWITTER: @SOULPEPPER


INSTAGRAM: @SOULPEPPERTHEATREYOUTUBE.COM/SOULPEPPERTHEATRESOUNDCLOUD.COM/SOULPEPPERTHEATRE

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media release · 2017. 6. 9. · media contact: katie saunoris !"#.$%&.#$# x."!...

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